SheLeads Georgian Bay 

Unleashing the power of women in our community! Walk away from this all day event feeling cared for and inspired.

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About our event

Join us for an inspiring day celebrating the impact of women caring and supporting each other in our community! SheLeads Georgian Bay is an in-person gathering for people of all ages identifying as women. Come and be inspired by powerful speakers, your choice of 21 engaging workshops, and networking opportunities. SheLeads is unique and different - everyone involved is volunteering their time and no one is selling services or goods. Don't miss out on this affordable opportunity to connect, learn and grow together. Pay what you can (suggested $20) or register for one of the free tickets available thanks to our sponsors and partners. Proceeds will be donated to the Huronia Community Foundation scholarship fund to support women in our communities.

In July 2023 the first SheLeads event was held in Chatham Ontario with almost 250 women identifying people from the Chatham-Kent area and beyond. We share our thanks and appreciation to the founders and organizers, Dr. Erin TeWinkel and Randi Bokor Caron. They are the inspiration behind the SheLeads Georgian Bay event and have provided us with their vision and model, as well as support and materials. Read about the inaugural Chatham event here:

Lifelong friends to lead women’s conference | The Chatham Voice

Meet your morning activities team

Getting to know each other during Morning Registration

Anne Lesperance

https://www.teamjordan.ca/agent-profile/anne-lesperance-8698028

A top local Realtor and 'Connection Magician', Anne is passionate about empowering families to learn how to have a deeper understanding, connection, and appreciation of each other. She uses her expertise as a Certified & Licenced Sales & Personality Trainer to also train other Realtors®, Salespeople and Business Owners to experience greater financial success, enhanced teamwork and overall quality of life through better communication & deepened connection.

Using her magical cards, Anne will be introducing a simple but very effective tool to networking and better understanding yourself so that you can better relate to your loved ones, friends and clients.

Our Morning Session

Cher Cunningham

CEO and Head Business Alchemist

Podium Prosperity and Tradewinds Group of Companies

https://www.tradewindsgroup.ca/

Join Cher, a dedicated business coach with a deeply personal understanding of the highs and lows of entrepreneurship for

“Unlock Happiness: Living the Life You Want"

where you'll engage in fun and energizing activities designed to activate happiness and inspire a more intentional way of being.

This interactive experience offers practical tips and light-hearted insights into how everyday moments can be a place of happiness. It's a step toward understanding how small changes can make a big impact on your daily well-being.

  • SheLeads Georgian Bay

    Sat, May 25, 2024 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM EDT

    Georgian Bay District Secondary School, Hugel Avenue, Midland, ON, Canada

    925 Hugel Avenue Midland, ON L4R 1X6

    SheLeads Georgian Bay: Unleashing the power of women in our community! Walk away from this all day event feeling cared for and inspired.

  • SheLeads Georgian Bay

    If you would like to support women in our community furthering their education donate directly to the Huronia Community Foundation in honour of SheLeads Georgian Bay

  • SheLeads Georgian Bay

    Check out our list of workshops to choose from.

Meet Our Workshop Leaders

  • Danielle Northcott, Teacher Women’s Advocate

    Just One Drink: I Deserve it - a personal story of quitting drinking.

    Join Danielle to look at the pressure of societal expectations and social norms. We will talk about how media and advertising also play a role in making alcohol consumption glamourous or empowering for women.

    We need a greater awareness and understanding of individual choices promoting a culture of respect for all drinking preferences. 

    https://www.sheleadsgeorgianbay.com/

  • Sarah Durant

    Registered Psychotherapist

    Mindfulness. In our Everyday Lives

    How do we practice Mindfulness when we can’t set time aside? We will look at practical ways to integrate mindful practices into the everyday hustle and bustle, reducing stress and increasing enjoyment. We’ll include some “mindful humor” to have fun and a meaningful experience.

    www.midlandtherapy.com

  • Lisa O’Driscoll

    Yoga Teacher/Instructor

    Yoga For Wellness

    This Yoga for Wellness workshop will focus on using the practice of yoga asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork) and meditation to enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing. The workshop will be suitable for all levels and will leave you feeling calm and centered.

    www.yogahousegbay.ca

  • Kelly Brownbill

    Educator, Indigenous Issues

    On being an Indigenous Woman

    Kelly Brownbill’s spirit name, Wabunnoongakewe, means Woman Who Comes from the East and she is proud to be Waabizhashi Dodem, Marten Clan. Using the gifts of her heritage, Kelly will guide us on how together we can use ancient knowledge to build modern, healthy communities.

    www.kellybrownbill.com

  • Lindsay Hummelink, RSW, CHE

    Anxiety and Tips to Manage It".

    Lindsay has spent her career in the field of social and health services, with a focus on mental health. She is committed to co-creating a therapeutic environment that feels safe for those she serves. Lindsay is compassionate, respectful and is happy to bring humour into therapy where it fits! She says “We all experience anxiety! Let's talk about what it is and how to manage it.”

    lindsayhummelink.com/

  • Deanna Palazzo-Dalzell

    Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable: Improv

    Deanna is an actor, producer, teacher, wellness coach and owner of The Pulse Nutrition in Penetanguishene. Her goal with this workshop is to help people step outside their comfort zone and have some fun along the way. We will do this through improv games and more.

    https://www.facebook.com/ThePULSENutrition/

  • Stephanie Hill

    Registered Dietitian

    Empowering Women Through Nutrition: Nourishing Mind, Body, and Soul

    Stephanie has worked in a number of different areas, including research, mental health and addictions, and diabetes. She will review strategies and key mindset changes to help you optimize your nutrition and increase your energy.

    yourmindfuldietitian.com

  • Dionne Thomson M.Ed, NLP Life Coach 

    Build an AWESOME Journaling Habit in Just 30 Days!

     At the core of all Dionne’s work is a passion for inspiring women to build the habits of; trusting themselves, prioritizing their happiness, and believing in their inherent worthiness. Journaling, when done regularly, can have a HUGE impact on your life. Let's get you excited to start building your journaling habit with 30 easy to use prompts and 10 of Dionne's favourite hacks that make journaling easier! 

    Hot Mess to Awesomeness w/ Dionne Thomson 

  • Melanie Linkletter DFSA, CIWM

    Money Management 101 - Bring Balance to your Budget

    Melanie is a local Metis citizen, Penetanguishene Rotarian and volunteer who has been with Edward Jones since 2015. She says “women have come from a time when we couldn’t even have a credit card in our own name, to now often being the sole providers and financial decision makers in their families”. Join Melanie to learn how to set financial goals, strategies for controlling debt and practical savings options.

    www.edwardjones.ca

  • De. Erin Tewinkel

    Empowerment in Flux: A Workshop on Perimenopause

    Join Dr. Erin TeWinkel, ND and discover evidence-based strategies to navigate perimenopause with confidence and vitality. This transformative event empowers participants with knowledge about hormonal shifts, health optimization, and wellness practices tailored to support thriving during this transitional phase. Join us to embrace the journey of perimenopause and unlock the keys to living vibrantly in your 40s and beyond.“

    https://drtewinkelnd.com/

  • Erica Wesley, Registered Social Worker, RFMT

    Breaking Free From “Mom Guilt”

    We are constantly bombarded with messages about what we should be doing to be a “good mom”, often leaving us feeling like we are not good enough.  

    Join Erica in this workshop to understand where “mom guilt” comes from and find some freedom from it in your daily life. Erica is a Registered Social Worker, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and mom of three who specializes in supporting parents, couples and healing from trauma.

    https://ericawesley.ca/

  • Jill St. Amant and Catherine MacDonald, Community Leaders

    Jill is an active volunteer, former Penetanguishene councillor and Rotarian and Catherine is a current Town of Midland Councillor, former school board trustee and active volunteer. Join them in an interactive discussion about the benefits of volunteerism and political involvement from a woman's perspective. Both women have a broad range of experience and knowledge in the communities they serve and are excited to share their insights and discuss your perspectives.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-st-amant-45671b20/?originalSubdomain=ca

    https://shorturl.at/ovSX3

  • Julie Lynas, Certified Make-up Artist 

    Discover your True Colours with a 12 Seasons colour analysis!

    Trained in Los Angeles and with her experience in film, fashion, TV, runway, advertising and more, Julie, owner of Glitz Galz, will help you discover your true colours with a 12 seasons colour analysis! Your unique skin tone, hair color, and eye color will be matched to one of four seasonal categories: winter, spring, summer, or autumn and then even more specifically into a 12- season colour system. By identifying your color season, you'll unlock the secret to finding your most flattering clothing and make-up colours.

    www.julielynasbeauty.com

    www.theglitzgalz.com

  • Carol Lambie, Retired Hospital CEO and Panelists

    Balance: Is it possible? Let's share our real-life experiences

    In the Psychology Today article "A Better Way to Think About Work-Life Balance", (Mar. 30, 2021) Matt Grawitch Ph.D. suggests we can have greater wellbeing by taking a personal approach to aligning our demands and resources. Whether we have challenging jobs or family commitments, or are balancing daily life demands, how do we decide what our own personal description of balance is? Join retired hospital CEO Carol Lambie, HR director, fitness instructor, mom and wellness leader Nicole Mace, mom of triplets and busy deputy CFO Amy Timmons and busy mom of two and high school educator Sarah Coleman for an engaging and honest conversation about real-life experiences and take away some practical tips about what is personally possible for you.

  • Dionne Thomson, Cheryl Moore and Rae Reynolds, Local Authors

    Limited to Liberated;

    Unlock Your Story and Set Yourself Free

    Local authors, Cheryl Moore (Social Worker, Reiki Master, Intuitive Healer/Reader/Teacher), Rae Reynolds (Healing Waves, RMT) and Dionne Thomson (Inspirational Life Coach, Circle Leader and Podcaster) share how they, through the power of storytelling, inspire others, create an impact in their communities and most importantly, find meaning & purpose in their lives! What would your life be like if you unlocked your story and set yourself free?

    Hear why they needed to write this story/book, the challenges they faced, who helped and what they learned, while taking away some tips about how you can start your own writing journey. 

  • J. Nichole Noel, Spoken Word Artist and Storyteller

    Purple Lilac in Full Bloom - A written and spoken word workshop

    Let's rise up like the blessed sun that graces the morning dew with a kiss and let not our voices go unheard! Together, let's discover the power of the written and spoken words. "Join the Experience" as we create and participate in this fun interactive workshop with J. Nichole, an award-winning performer for over 18 years. She is a mother of five, a multi-talented recorded Singer/Songwriter and owner of Noel's Nest Country Bed and Breakfast, Special Events space where she provides live entertainment, wellness retreats and supports local artists.

    https://noelsnestcbnb.com/

  • Meghan Lillie, Registered Physiotherapist

    Women's Pelvic Health; Let's take control

    Many of us experience different health challenges during different life stages. Whether it be injury related, prenatal or postpartum, throughout menopausal changes, or secondary to trauma, pelvic floor dysfunction, which can include bladder/bowel dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain, is shown in research to be prevalent in one third of women.  Join Meghan, a specialist in pelvic health physiotherapy, to learn more about your pelvic health and what you can do through behavioural strategies and exercise to continue living a healthy and active life.

  • Erica Wesley, Registered Social Worker, RFMT

    Breaking Free From “Mom Guilt”

    We are constantly bombarded with messages about what we should be doing to be a “good mom”, often leaving us feeling like we are not good enough.  

    Join Erica in this workshop to understand where “mom guilt” comes from and find some freedom from it in your daily life. Erica is a Registered Social Worker, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and mom of three who specializes in supporting parents, couples and healing from trauma.

    https://ericawesley.ca/

  • Alison Durtnall, MBA, College Professor and Guests

    1st, 2nd, 3rd Careers: how do you decide?

    A quick google search shows we may have anywhere from 7 to 12 different jobs in our lifetime. Whether it's with multiple employers or changing roles within one company or organization, factors like education, skill-building and external experiences play a role in our future. Join Alison, who started in the Fashion industry, switched careers into Business Marketing, then became a College Professor, and guests Elana Durtnall, an OPP officer, Katie Downer, an electrician, Christie Lambie, an actuary and consulting practice leader and Dr. Soyeon Kim, clinical psychologist and early career research scientist to hear why they chose their current fields, where they started and what tips they have if you are starting out or considering a change.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisondurtnall/?originalSubdomain=ca

  • Andrea Ahrens, Titan Homes and Design, Senior Facilities Manager

    Interior Design and your next Renovation Project

    Andrea has a 20 year history of planning large to small renovation  and construction projects. and designing and remodelling homes. She envisions the end result, finds options based on budget and adds the final touches for colour, furniture and accessories with her interior design education and experience. If you are thinking about a renovation or redesign, join Andrea to hear tips on how you decide on the size and scope of a renovation project, assess different options, plan for what you might run into and how to make sure your vision is accomplished. 

    https://titanhomesdesign.ca/

  • Jennifer Ewen, Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist

    Finding the Spark: Re-igniting your lost libido

    Have you lost some of your desire for passion and intimacy? Has the magical spark between you and your partner dulled? You are not alone. Low desire is the #1 issue brought to sex therapy. Learn research-based skills on how to reconnect to pleasure and how you can re-ignite the spark with Jennifer who has been in private practice for over 10 years. Her clinical specialites are sex and relationship issues. She holds the Certified Sex Therapist designation from the Association for Sex Therapy in Ontario (ASTO).

    www.gbrc.ca

Meet Your Organizers

  • I am here as a Woman's Advocate - helping women find their voice, through education and empowerment. I care about this in my life and want to reach more women in our community.

    I am on a mission to bring as much self-advocacy to the women of Georgian Bay as I can.

    Through community, we thrive, we inspire and we help lift everyone up.

    "Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back" - Unknown

  • I am so fortunate to have been surrounded by amazing women throughout my life and career, with many years as a single mom.

    These women are my family members, friends, colleagues and people I have met volunteering to help make a difference in our Georgian Bay communities.

    I have seen the power of women working together, caring for each other and inspiring others and can’t wait to see this grow.

    I am thrilled to be part of SheLeads - come join us!